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Sowing for Others to Ileap 







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y^ COLLECTION of Papers on various subjects 

of vital importance to the race. Prepared by 

some of the most distinguished ivomen of the Ohio 

Federation of Colored Women's Clubs. Edited by 

Mrs. Carrie W. Clifford 

State President 















Charles Alexan DER, Publisher 

143 CHARLES ST 

BOSTON ^ 



F. 



/ 




) 



The bequest of 

Daniel Murray, 

Washin^ion, D. Ci 

1925. 



^ 









Object. 

The object of this book is two- fold ; First, it would call 
the attention of the people everywhere to the National Associa- 
sion of Colored Women, a movement national in its scope, and 
of great interest to us as women and home-makers. 

This movement is circumscribed neither by creed or color, 
location or condition. 

So deep and broad and noble are its anus, so comprehen- 
sive its scope, so much needed its efforts, that it has engaged 
the earnest attention of the brainiest and most progressive 
women of the race. 

In the words of the constitution, its object is, 'Ho raise to 
the highest plane, the home, moral and civil life of our 
people." 

This is to be accomplished through the medium of women's 
clubs. These clubs are organized in every community with 
objects as varied as the work demands. 

Temperance, literary, art and music clubs, philanthropic 
needlework and missionary societies ; house and home, and 
social circles are all included in its membership. 

It is fair to say that its present membership numbers at 
least 25,000, which should certainly be a great power for good. 

It is the earnest hope of the contributors to this volmne 
that it may help in no small measure to spread the grand work 
undertaken by the N. A. C. W. 

The second object is, that coming generations may herein 
glean something of the efforts, the hopes and fears, the work 
and aims of Ohio women of this era, exerted in the interest of 
their well-being, of their progress, and of their achievement. 







^/J 



r\, 



Dedication. 



To The National Association of Colored Women, that 
noble bocty of organized womanhood, which is so grandly striv- 
ing for the heights, and so unselfishly lifting as she climbs, — 
is this little volmne affectionately dedicated. 



Apostrophe. 



Go forth, little book, upon the Ocean of Life ; thou art but 
a frail craft, upon a stormy sea, yet, if thou shalt succor one 
perishing soul, if thou shalt lighten one heavy burden, if thou 
shalt bring hope to one despairing heart, or transform hate into 
love — thou shalt have gloriously performed thy mission. 

Succor and strength, hope and love — these shall be thy 
cargo. Go ! 



The Forward Movement. 

BY MKS. CAKKIE W. CLIFFORD 



" Brutus I thou sleepest. Awake ! " 

To man 3^ persons, these words of Shakespeare are very 
familiar. When Casshis, with an unholy purpose in his heart, 
souoht to arouse the noble Brutus to action, he used these most 
effective words. 

With the deep earnest and sincere wish in my heart for 
your greatest advancement, your most perfect success, for the 
realization of your lofty ideals, I say, men of Ohio, ye are 
sleeping ; awake ! awake ! awake to your possibilities, awake 
to your opportunities, awake to your glorious privileges. 

I am to speak to you on ^'The Forward iMovement." How 
much I wished to be able to bring to you some new thought ; 
but failing that resource, I feel, if I may only be a1)le to im- 
press upon you the old thought, it will be well. To be able to 
realize ; to make others realize is what we must labor to accom- 
plish. It is my object to impress you with the fact that you 
can do an3^thing, and so take your place in the "Forward 
Movement.'^ I remember having heard the old adage, "Where 
there's a will, there's a way ;" but I had no realization of 
its meaning. To me, it was as Hamlet says, merely " words, 
words, words." 

But, my dear friends, that means what it says. It means if 
you would be the greatest musician in the world, that you can 
be ;it means if j^ou would be the greatest writer in the world, 
that3-ou can be. But you must will to do it with all your 
heart, and with all your mind, and with all your soul, and with 
all your strength. This will means an inexhaustible reservoir 
of patience, couras^e, push, hope, faith, work, perseverance. 

(5) 



6 SOWING FOR OTHKRS TO REAP 

I remember also another phrase that the teacher frequent- 
ly quoted : — "Fortune is a lazy goddess ; she will never come 
to you." I thought this merely a high-sounding phrase, wholly 
false. To my mind fortune was a thing that dropped into your 
lap, like an over-ripe pear. I thought there was no way of 
coming into contact with her unless she did come to you. To 
me, fortune was a good thing going about seeking some one to 
bless. I'ut, friends, it is too true that "Fortune is a lazv aod- 

7 7 */ *— 

dess ; she will never come to you." If you seek her, you will 
find her. But you must seek diligently. She lives on the high- 
est peak of the Himalayas, I think, but at any rate, you must be 
willing to bear suffering, hardship, toil and disappointment in 
your pursuit of her. If you are faithful to the end, you will 
tind her. 

Children of Ohio ! do you want the blessings of fortune, 
and do you will to have them? Then take them, for they are 
yours. You live in one of the best states in the Union for peo- 
ple of our race, schools of medicine, law, music, art, elocution 
and business are everywhere open to 3^ou. Are you improving 
these golden opportunities ? O ! let us avail ourselves of the 
wonderful advantages with which we are surrounded ! As you 
go about through life, you will find many people who will tell 
you, "Oh you can't succeed at that : why I knew a man, etc., 
etc ; " or "Don't undertake any such thing as 3^ou contemplate 
for it will be a failure ; I know a man, etc., etc." 

Young people I never measure 3'our possibilities by another 
man's failures : There must be a beginning to all things. If, 
therefore, we have never had a colored president, there is all 
the more reason why you may become the first one. 

"Why will we see with dead men's eyes 
Looking at tvas from morn till night : 
Vrhen the glorious now the divine to be 
Woo with their charms the living sight?" 
Ella Wheeler Wilcox, poet, philospher and optimist, says. 
"It does not matter what your inheritance is, and in spite of 



SOWING FOR OTHERS TO RP:AP 7 

your environment, or your misfortunes, remember you can 
make your life a glorious thing." 

"There is no discouragement, the writer of these lines htx-i 
not known. Hopes that seemed impossible, goals that seemed 
unattainable, dreams that seemed but the mirage of the im- 
agination, all have been realized by persistent faith, persistent 
pursuit, and persistent desire. The result lies with you !" 
I could give you many examples of what has been accomplished 
by man. History fui'uishes no better one than is portrayed in 
the life of our great leader, Booker Washington. 

Every person should read his book ''Up From Slavery" 
and it will give such inspiration, as you can never lose. And 
last, though first and greatest, we have the grand Bil)lical truths 
pointing us the way. We are too apt to eliminate God, in at- 
tempting to solve our problems. I remember saying to a lady, 
we were thinking of having a symposium upon the theme, ''How 
to solve the Negro Problem." Her reply was, "I can tell you 
in four words, "Righteousness, exalteth a nation ;" and again, 
"If thou hast faith as a grain of mustard seed and should say 
unto this mountain, be thou removed and be thou cast into the 
sea, it should be done." 

There is a feeling among some of our people, I fear, that 
we should talk only of our virtues and never so much as think 
we have any failings. I believe that much of the indecent 
abuse that Dr. Booker Washington gets at the hands of some 
of our cheap race papers, is because he tells of our weaknesses. 
For myself, I believe in telling us of our faults, in love, that 
we may correct them. It is the real friend who shows us our 
shortcomings. I believe that my race is capable of accom- 
plishing anything that any other race is capable of accomplish- 
ing ; but I also believe we can accomplish it only by the very 
same means. 

We will find no royal road to the fulfilment of our desires. 
We will have to work for it, the same as other people have done. 



8 SOWING FOR OTHERS TO REAP 

For example : — take our musical natures, as a race we are said 
to be highly endowed, musically. But can we for an instant 
say our choirs, are the finest in the city? No! ''•Why so?" 
Because we have not had that long, arduous, severe, musical 
training necessary to perfect these talents. We must buckle 
down to work : we must study four, six eight, ten years, serious- 
ly and earnestly to olitain the best results. Will we do it? 
yes, I hope so, I l)elieve so. 

It seems to me the matter resolves itself into something- 
like this : 

For what are we strivins; ? For loftv ideals ; the highest 
realization of man's ambitious hopes and desires. 

Can we accomplish it? Yes, l)y knowing the way. 

Do we know the way? We do. It lies through hope, faith 
and works. 

AVill we pursue it? Ah, my friends, the question strikes 
home ! 

Will you do ; are you doing it ? 

Dr. Du Bois thinks that when the voice of the Negro is 
heard in its full free and unsuppressed volume, it will speak 
through those fine arts, — music, painting, literature. This 
may be so ; but with every people the working period must pre- 
cede the period of culture, and of leisure. 

And this is an age of commercialism. We can hardly neglect 
the getting of the almighty dollar. It is in the business world 
that are found the greatest opportunities for the amassing of 
money, and to this field I would respectfully direct the atten- 
tion of our people. Let us lose no opportunity in the world of 
business or art, politics or religion to advance our cause. Let 
the watchword all along the line be ' 'Forward" and so with 
highest hopes for the Forward movement in Ohio, I will close 
with a bit of verse called "Every Day Philosophy." It is so 
plain, so simple and so true. It has been so much help to me, 



SOWIXG FOR OTHERS TO REAP 9 

and I trust it will be to 3^011. Every word of it means some- 
tliino- and more it means exactly what it says. 



EVERYDAY PHILOSOPHY. 



You caa climb to the top of the loftiest hill, 
You can make of yourself whatever you will; 

If you try. 
A faith you must have, rooted deep in your soul, 
A purpose unshaken, a firm self-control ; 
Strive on, without ceasing, you'll reach to the goal 

If you try. 

You can be of some good to yourself and your kind, 
A name and a place in the world you can find. 

If you work. 
Wherever you turn there is plenty to do, 
The harvest is great, but the reapers are few ; 
You'll find opportunities waiting for you. 
If you work. 

You can reach any standard at which you may aim, 
You can find the right road to the temple of fame. 

If you will. 
It lies through endeavor, by day and by night, 
Through patience that never abandons a fight ; 
By infinite toil you can climb to the height 

If you will. 

You must meet all reverses and never give in, 
You must spend little time planning how to begin, 

If you win. 
But take off your coat and go into the fray 
And stay by 3'^our task ; there is no other waj' ; 
You must wait for no future but labor today, 

If you win. 

You will find that the tide of misfortune is swift. 
Don't expect other people to give you a lift 

If you drift. 
The adage is old that the world gives a call 
To the man who keeps striving, whatever befall ; 
You will find that a wreck is the end of it all. 

If vou drift. 



10 



SOWING FOR OTHERS TO REAP 



ou will learn that the palsy of life is delay, 
That fortune will beckon and then flee away, 

If you wait. 
Fcr this is the mystical edict of fate, 
But once opportunity knocks at our gate. 
And after that call 'tis forever too late, 

If you wait. 



-Bufialo News. 




Mrs. Carrie W. Clifford, 

State President. 



Echoes from the liUernationai Congress of Women, London, 

England, June, July, S900. 

BY MISS HALLIE Q. BROWN. 

(From her Diary.) 

The International Congress or Women has passed into his- 
tory, and all things considered, has been one of the most 
remarkable gatherings of women the fast waning century has 
witnessed. The Congress begun Monday, June 26, and the 
final session was held on July 5. The subjects considered 
embraced a wide and varied range of thought and five meetings 
were held simultaneously. 

1. The Educational Section discussed every phase of life 
and training, from Imbyhood to the completion of a university 
career. 

2. The Professional Section dealt with Professions open 
to women. The effect on domestic life if women were admitted 
to the Professions — Medicine, Nursing, Art, Science, Litera- 
ture, Music, the Drama, Journalism, Agriculture, Horticulture 
and the Handicrafts. 

3. The Legislative and Industrial Section discussed 
Special Labor Legislation for women, scientific treatment of 
domestic servants, trade unionism, ethics of wage earning, 
co-operation and profit sharing. 

4. The Political Section treated Parliamentary Enfran- 
chisement of women, responsibilities and duties of women in 
public life and administrative work. 

5. The Social Section discussed Prisons and Reformato- 
ries, preventive work, rescue work, treatment of destitute 
classes, social setttements, women's clubs, amusements, emi- 
oration and work amono- children. 

( 11 ) 



12 SOWING FOR OTKEES TO REAP 

Great meetings, numbering many thousands, were held in 
(Queen's Hall, when Temperance, Suffrage and Arl)itration were 
considered. The opening session and meeting of welcome was 
held in the Convocation Hall, Church House, Westminster. 
Twelve hundred members of the Congress were present ; the 
International Officers occupied prominent places on the plat- 
form and the President — the Countess of Aberdeen — presided, 
and save the welcome address, l)eoinnino;, ''I welcome vou, 
women of all nations." The presidents and accredited dele- 
gates from Federated National Councils were introduced by the 
president, and gave short addresses. Twenty-eight countries 
were represented and fifty-nine women of these various nation- 
alities stood forth to speak for their women. It required a 
great effort on the part of the writer to restrain the tears that 
welled to her eyes when gazing upon those ''women of all 
nations," that not one representative of her race stood forth to 
champion the cause of her struggling and aspiring sisters. 
Miss Susan B. Anthony and Rev. Anna Shaw, represented the 
United States. An English lady represented Africa. 

When Madame Shen, the delegate from China, was present- 
ed she received an ovation. She came with the official ap- 
proval of the Court of Pekin and was received by the Chinese 
Minister, as in keeping with her rank, being the daughter of 
the late Viceroy of Nanking. She was robed in a figured 
and striped red and white petticoat, with an over dress of blue 
and black, most beautifully eml^roidered in flowers. Her feet 
in the tiny shoes, were the true '' tottering lilies." Her hus- 
band, in gorgeous Chinese dress, read in excellent English, her 
paper. A group of Parsee and Hindu ladies wearing the sari 
gracefully drafted and in charming colors, were greatly 
admired. 

Nearly all the foreign speakers read their papers and dis- 
cussed in the P^nglish language. AYhenever the speaker was 
compelled to adhere to her native tongue — her address was 
translated into English, printed and distributed to the 



SOWING FOl^ OTHERS TO REAP 13 

audience ; as in case of the Italian Lady Doctor, Maria 
Montessori. Many gentlemen were invited to speak on spe- 
cialities. Professor Barnes, of the United States, on Educa- 
tion ; Professor Robertson, of Canada, on Farming ; Professor 
Almgvist, of Sweden, on Public Control of the Liquor Traffic ; 
and Archbishop Ireland, on Arbitration. 

On all questions there were papers read pro and con. The 
discussions were short, bright and to the point. An English 
delegate r^ad an Inti-Suffrage paper, written by Mrs. Scott, of 
the New York Remonstrant Society; this caused a sensation, 
and there was some hissino-. Mrs. May Wrioht Sewall, who 
was in the Chair, succeeded in restoring order, and the Essay 
was read in peace and quietness. In the discussion that fol- 
lowed, however, the paper was torn to shreds, as it was based 
upon arguments long since exploded. 

The meetings, throughout, were conducted in the most 
orderly, business-like manner. The Earl of Aberdeen remark- 
ed to the writer that the Congress had taught the men a lesson, 
as the women had learned brevity and how to obey. This was 
constantly verified, for, altho' a woman had come thousands of 
miles to set forth some dear and cherished plan, yet when the 
bell rung '' time," tho' in the middle of her paper, she prompt- 
ly stopped and took her seat. Discussion was limited to Jive 
minutes. In a few instances time was extended. 

The writer was neither a delegate nor an invited speaker, 
but had the rights of membership and was permitted to take 
part in all discussions. 

On two occasions she was accorded extra time. In the 
Educational Section, when ^' women as Educators" and in the 
Social Section when '' the Destitute Classes " were discussed. 
Not one word had been said for or against the colored people 
of America, in any of the papers presented — here then was the 
opportunity to give the status of our women and tell of the 
remarkable advance they have made during the past 30 years, 
to assert that many are among the foremost educators of the 



14 SOWING FOR OTHERS TO REAP 

day — intellectually, morally and spiritually. In the treatment 
of the destitute — our race was cited as pre-eminently amono- 
that class, their thralldom, their emancipation and rights of 
citizenship, their civil disability and disfranchisement, their 
inequality before the law ; the pernicious systems which oppose 
and oppress them — the unjust discriminations which confront 
them, and finally, the plea for a broader humanitarianism from 
the White American Citizen to the Colored American Citizen, 
who in a thousand notable cases, is making a heroic effort for 
an equal chance in the race of life, and to attain the highest 
stature of a noble untrameled manhood. 

When "time" was called, in the last instance, that 
great audience, including the 20 press representatives, shouted 
out — "Go on! That's what we want to hear " — so that for 
twenty minutes, at least, we were privileged to plead the cause 
of our much abused people. 

The above has been written that it might act as an in- 
centive to our workers at home. Very soon our women will be 
gathering at Chicago. Let the keynote be '' Confederation 
and Representation." 

May much practical good result from that Convention. 
May all personal and sectional feelings and differences be sub- 
merged for the good of the whole ! May many societies 
affiliate with the national — for, " in union there is strength." 

The next International Congress meets five years hence, 
in Berlin, Germany. Let not the sum of a few hundred dollars 
deter us from being a pari; of this great Congress, and sending 
a representative. The race demands that we make the effort. 
Sacrifice if needs be, for the good of all — both men and women 
of today and the race of tomorrow. 

SOCIAL LIFE. 

Added to the earnest deliberations of the Congress, there 
were many social functions, which allowed the members to be- 



SOWING FOR OTHERS TO REAP 15 

come acquainted with each other. Chibs, institutions and 
private citizens gave "At Homes," Fetes, Drives and 
J^uncheons — oalore. 

Mr. Arnold F. Hills, one of London's millionaires, gave 
a boat ride on the Thames, which was greatly enjoyed. 

The Society of American Women in Loudon, gave an 
" At Home" in the G-rand Hall of the Hotel Cecil, to receive 
members from the United States. Mrs. Griffin, of N. Y. is the 
President, and many distinguished Americans were present. 

A garden party was given at Fullham Palace, by the Lord 
Bishop of London and Mrs. Creighton, from 4 to 7 p.m., June 
27. The host and hostess stood on the lawn and received the 
guests, who were then free to mingle with friends, or roam 
over the Palace, thro' its halls and chapels, built 400 years 
ago, or to partake of the refreshments spread in the dining 
hall and marquee, while the band discoursed sweet music. 

An official reception was given, June 25, at Stafford 
House, St. James, by the kind permission of the Duke and 
Duchess of Sutherland. At 9 p.m. the guests began to arrive. 
The beautiful young Duchess, in a white robe trimmed with 
gold sequins and silver butterflies, supported by the Countess 
of Aberdeen, received her guests at the foot of the noble stair- 
case of Stafford House. After presentation to their hostess, 
the guests ranged themselves along the staircases to watch the 
progress of the reception. 

Twelve hundred guests were welcomed, and still the 
spacious mansion was not crowded. The members of the Con- 
gress, tempered with refreshments, conversation and music, 
dispersed through the fine house — the stately drawing rooms — 
the gold and ivory dining rooms — the long gallery on whose 



16 SOWING FOR OTHERS TO REAP 

walls bans; superb and priceless pictures. This is said to l»e 
the grandest home in all London. Some years ao"0 Her 
Majesty Queen Victoria paid a visit to Stafford House and re- 
marked • ' I have come from my home — Buckingham Palace— 
to your mansion." 

The second official reception was given by the Countess of 
Aberdeen, on July 4, from 9 :30 p.m. to 12 m.. at the Royal 
Institute of Water Colors, Piccadilly. This was a farewell 
reception to the International Congress of ^Yomen, and thirteen 
hundred guests were present, and received by the Countess 
and her graceful young daughter, the Lady Marjorie Hamilton 
Gordon. To the Coimt^ss, perhaps more than to any other 
person, is due the success of the Congress. Being a member of 
England's aristocracy she has given prestige to the Cono-ress 
and drawn about her a brilliant array of noted personages. 
Affable, easity approached, she has been kind and considerate 
to all who desired an audience. 

The Garden Party, given by Lady Rothschild and Mrs. Leo- 
pold de Rothschild, will be one of the pleasantest memories of 
the Congress. It was held from 4 to 7 p.m., on Juh^ 4, at 
their stately country seat, Gunnersbury Park, seven miles from 
London proper. Accompanying the cards of invitation were 
railway tickets with train instructions, and statins that car- 
riages would meet the guests at the railway station. The 
whole affair was but another evidence of English hospitality. A 
dozen marquees were set up on the velvety turf of the beauti- 
ful park, that sloped from the long, low mansion and went 
stretching away into the hundreds of acres of fine, old trees, 
which flung their shadows on the lawn. Scattered about were 
arbors, covered with trailing vines ; while cool, shady nooks, 
with rustic seats, invited repose. Beds of gaily colored flow- 
ers and numberless roses filled the air with their fragrance. 
Lakes dotted the great park and lay shimmering in the 



SOWING FOR OTHERS TO REAP 17 

sunlight, like diamonds midst an emerald setting. The little 
lakes were fringed with drooping lilies, while graceful swans 
sported here and there. On the breasts of the more preten- 
tious lakes floated gay gondolas, laden with the merry pleasurt- 
seekers. INIany amusements were provided for the two thousand 
guests: a lady equestrian, polo and bicycle games, singers, 
dances, etc. 

The writer was invited to recite to a party of fifty in the 
Drawing Room of the mansion, among whom were Lord Rose- 
berry, Lady Constance Battersea, Lord and Lady Rothschild 
and other noted persons. 

Many titled ladies acted as chairwomen for the various 
meetings during the Congress. They were gracious and most 
fair in their rulings. 

Parliament took a keen interest in the Cono-ress and there 
was a great demand for tickets to such meetings as were open 
to the public. 

The leading journals in London and the Provinces gave 
extended notices of the proceedings of the Congress. 

Mrs. JMay Wright Sewall, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was 
elected President of the next Congress, which is to meet, five 
years hence, in Berlin. 

The final seal was set upon the Congress by the order of 
Her Majesty Queen Victoria inviting the Foreign and Colonial 
delegates and members to visit her at Windsor Castle. But 
this, dear reader, is another story and the crowning feature of 
the great Congress must be told again in an article that has not 
already exceeded its bounds. 




4 



Miss Hallie Q. Brown. 

Elocutionist. 






The Value of Club WorR Among Colored Women. 

BY MRS. JENNIE E. WATSON. 



I am a strong advocate of all kinds of work among women, 
especially club work. A club is a pure democracy, and any one 
may be in society who chooses to enter its domain, that is, they 
may be in the near companionship of intelligent, strong-minded 
people, who enjoy literature, art, conversation and amusement, 
but most of all the elevation of their race. The club by open- 
ing its doors of various endeavors to women, helps those whose 
lives have been narrowed to the ceaseless whirl of domestic 
drudgery. 

It prevents the foolish traits and extravagant whims into 
which women, who have nothing to do, are sure to fall. I have 
never known of a single instance of a woman, who, in pursuing 
a course laid down in various departments by club life, has 
become a less devoted sister, mother or wife. Clubs need not 
be female monopolies. The women may meet regularly, and at 
stated times have the men of their plane join them in discussion 
of current events or social functions. 

John Ruskin advocated equal training in all things for men 
and women alike. Today the sphere of usefulness for women has 
been enlarged, the gateways to higher learning have been un- 
locked, the barriers to professions have been broken down, and 
the avenues leading to usefulness in the busy world of thought 
and action have been thrown open. Therefore, mothers, teach 
your daughters to know, that the Twentieth Century considers 
her more than a parlor ornament ; it looks upon her as a real 
substantial factor in the progress of the world. Teach her to 
know the value of time, character and education. It is with 
those who study as with those who travel, that Alps upon Alps 
will arise, but we should keep on studying so we can meet the 

(19) 



•20 SOWING FOR OTHERS TO REAP 

arduous demand of our work, — Elevation — knowing that be- 
yond our Alps there lies an Italy for the Afro- American women. 

French women liave excelled in Science, Literature and 
Art, and still rank high in their knowledge of public affairs. 
We advocate club work, because we feel that the privilege of 
learning and doing all things properly, belong to man and 
woman alike, and we must work to possess such attainments on 
equal shares. Aside from club work, many of our women are 
showing great literary ability, as well as journalistic and 
artistic activity, others are winning laurels in the lecture field. 

Every new acquirement brings its pleasure and reward, be- 
cause in intellectual and benevolent pursuits there is a delight 
that never palls, they enlai'gethe heart, quicken the mind, ele- 
vate and broaden the race. One writer has said ; every woman 
is a teacher whether she is worthy or unworthy, educated or 
io-norant, and has an influence for good or evil. Woman's re- 
sponsibility is great and vast when we analyze it, and there are 
many ways by which she may do good : they are as numer- 
ous as the thouo'hts of mankind. Nothing; in the world is so 
beautiful, so uplifting and ennobling as a womanly woman with 
a broad charitable heart, ever holding out her hand to help hu- 
manity. It has been said there are fame and admiration waiting 
for the woman who is broad enough to sink personal feeling 
for the sake of a cause, and how proud we should be of the 
hundreds of noble women of our race who belong to both State 
and National Federation, concentrating their efforts all in one 
direction, knowing in union there is strength, and the necessary 
requisite in any virtue is strength, and without strength all 
principles will totter. Although we may have many discom-age- 
ments and disappointments, yet with God's help and a united 
effort among ourselves, much good, grand and noble work 
may be done. Therefore let us take courage from the grand 
results that have been accomplished, striving onward to the 
goal that is beyond, believing there is a brighter day in the 
future for the Afro- American Women. 



The Mother's Influence In the Home. 

BY MRS. IDA JOYCE JACKSON. 

(From Topeka Plaindealer.) 

From the creation of the world to the present century, 
woman has played an important part in the home, that most 
sacred shelter of man, which calls up the fondest memories of 
life and opens in our nature the purest, deepest and richest 
fountain of consecrated thought and feeling. 

Around the fireside are gathered, from time to time, the 
father, mother and children, who, cemented by the tender ties 
of love, form one indissoluble union of happiness. The strength 
of the mother's influence is very powerful in making indelible 
impressions on the plastic natures of children ; for it gives the 
first tone to their desires and furnishes ingredients that will 
either sweeten or embitter their whole cup of life. 

Even the infidel lives under the holy influence of a pious 
mother's impressions and ever reveres her name. 

The bright and cheerful faces of the little ones playing 
around their mother's knee, make a beautiful picture that every 
fond mother loves to look back upon in recalling her most 
pleasant memories. 

One of the greatest and most valuable of the delights 
which are felt by mortals, amid the stern and of ten-times soul- 
harrowing conflicts of life's after campaign, is that of recalling 
the scenes of earlier years. 

How many mothers contemplate the future of their child- 
ren, the fearful responsibility of their existence and the final 
saving of their precious souls ? 

Often-times the tiny babe of a few hours is spoiled by the 
impressions made upon the ofl'spring before its birth, which 

(21) 



22 SOAVING FOR OTHERS TO REAP 

often cause the mother hours, days and years of trouble, heart- 
ache and disgrace. 

The moral, ph3^sical and intellectual influence for good 
t^hould be exerted long before its birth, because the law of 
heredity, handed down to us from the Holy Bible says, that 
the sins of the parents shall be visited upon the children, even 
to the third and fourth generation. 

Since this law is inexorable, it is very necessai'y and imper- 
ative that the mind of the mother dwell upon all that is beauti- 
ful, good, noble and elevating. She should avoid anger, and 
keep her heart pure and above all, ask the divine guidance of 
God, liy invoking His aid to help her direct aright the course 
of the infant which He has intrusted to her care and keeping. 

Our idea of a home should be that of a quiet, secluded 
spot, where loving hearts dwell, and it should be set apart and 
dedicated to intellectual and moral improvement. 

It should be our aim to make home very cheerful. Let 
innocent joy reign supreme in every heart ; let domestic amuse- 
ments, fireside pleasures, quiet and simple though they be, 
make home happy, and thus not leave the children to look else- 
where for joy. 

We should talk and talk in a pleasant manner to our 
children. How often we see persons, who are the life of every 
company which they enter, appear dull, silent and uninterest- 
ino- at home, amono- the children ! 

If we have not the mental activity and physical vigor to 
do both, let us first provide for our own household. It is far 
better to instruct our children than to amuse our friends ; for 
the child who does not love home is always in danger. 

If we would not have our children lost to us in after life ; 
if we would have our married daughters not forget the old home 
for the new one ; if we would have our sons lend us a helping 
hand to keep us in the cottage and provide for us in old age, 



SOWING FOR OTHERS TO REAP 23 

then it behoves us mothers to make our homes happy while our 
children are young. Longfellow says ; 

" Oh. what the world would be to us, 

If the children were no more ? 
We should dread the desert behind us 

Worse than the dark before." 

The home of our childhood is where we often spend the 
most pleasant part of our life and the longer our lives become, 
the more strongly does it seem to bind us to our childhood home. 

Sometimes some mothers are so heartless as to say and 
even feel that it is a relief to them to have their children get 
out of their w^ay. Indeed, they often drive them from home, 
and care not where they go. Too often, the first lessons in 
vice and crime are learned by permitting them to wander from 
home, and they become so polluted with sin that their career 
for future usefulness is entirely w^arped. 

Mothers, in the name of humanity, keep your children 
around you until they reach the age of discretion, and like the 
sun of the solar system let them revolve around you as so many 
little human planets. 

How sad the little ones feel who know^ nothing of a good. 
Christian mother's influence ; for they can never go back to 
their childhood days without a shudder ; and fui'thermore, they 
can never recall a period when their lives w^ere filled with sweet 
and simple satisfaction. 

The mother is the angel spirit of the home ; for how ten- 
derly she yearns over the cradle of her infant and how^ carefully 
she guards and cares for the child and youth. Even w^hen she 
is laid to rest, her spirit still hovers over them. Look how- 
desolate the home appears when the sw^eet influence of a dear, 
good mother is removed. 

The vital interests of our country at this present time 
hang largely upon the influence which our mothers exert upon 
their children alons; all moral lines. There never was a time 
when it was more diflScult for mothers to rear children than 
now. Educated children have educated w^ants and unless the 



24 SOWING FOR OTHERS TO REAP 

foundation for industrial training is laid in the home by the 
mother, the future young men and womem will have no means 
of earning a livelihood to supply these wants. We must teach 
our children thrift, economy, obedience to parental authority, 
respect for law, love of God, fellowmen and country. 

These principals must be inculcated early into the minds 
of our children. 

AVho can fathom the depth, length and breadth of a 
mother's love ? The wild storm of adversity and the bright 
sunshine of prosperity are alike to her. However unworthy 
the children may be of her affection, a mother never ceases to 
love her errins; child. Look into the records of history and 
biography and you will find but few exceptions to the rule that 
all great men have had great and noble mothers. The father's 
influence upon the offspring is comparatively feeble and insig- 
nificant to that of the mother. It is said that sons usually 
inherit the prominent traits of the mother. 

Sir Walter Scott's mother was not only a superior woman, 
but a great lover of poetry and painting. Byron's mother was 
talented ; but proud and ill-tempered. The mother of Napoleon 
was noted for her beauty and energy. The mother of John 
Wesley was so remarkable for her intelligence, piety and execu- 
tive ability, that she was called the "Mother of Methodism." 
The mother of Nero, on the other hand, was a murderess. 

The agency exercised by the mother of George Washing- 
ton in forming that character which the world delights to honor, 
is a subject of elevating contemplation. His undeviating in- 
tegrity and unshaken self-command were developments of her 
own elements of character. She combined Spartan firmness 
and simplicity with the deep affections of a christian matron, 
and all of this consecrated influence was brought to bear upon 
her son, who, by the early death of his father, came more 
directly under her influence. The monument which designates 
her last repose speaks eloquently of her sex, bidding them to 
impress the character of true greatness upon all generations. 



SOWING FOR OTFIKRS TO REAP 25 

Frederick Douglas, one of the most remaikablc men ])i*o- 
duced in the Nineteenth century, had a mother whone love for 
hhn eontribnti'd much toward his oreatness. 

Let US who are disposed to induli>e in lassitude, oi- to for- 
s^et that we may stamp an indelibU* character for grood or evil 
upon th(^ innnortal minds su})mitted to our regency, 2:0 and re- 
nounce our errors, deepen our faitli, quicken our eneigies and 
do the will of our Master. 

That woman who deli]>erately and wilfully refuses to weai* 
this olorions and holy crowai of motlierhood ; who would rather 
idle awav iier time and strenoth in followino; the devious and 
senseless ways of fashion, in paradin<j: the streets oi- lounoino; 
around the homes of other people : in dressino- beyond tlie 
bounds of econoni}^ or prudence: in gratifyino; vain and frivo- 
lous wishes and desires, than in brinoing up children to do good 
and thus rc^fiect credit upon their parents, is unworthy of the 
name of woman ; is untrue to the highest and holiest impulses 
of her own nature ; is false to the design and intent of God in 
her creation. 

We are aware that we must not bear all the blame in this 
matter, but, as far as we can, it is our duty and privilege alike, 
not to shrink from rearing our children to be some of the 
noblest, best and highest devloped specimens of manhood and 
womanhood. We should be conscious of the fact that the 
ennobling and elevating of our race is largely decided by the 
mother's influence exerted upon our children in our homes ; for 
it has been said that : 

"The mother in her office, holds the key 

Of the soul, and she it is who stamps the coin 

Of character, and makes the being, who would be a savage 

But for her gentle care, a true, strong man. 

You may place upon the brow of a true mother the green- 
est laurels ; you may crowd her hands with civic honors ; but 



•20 



SOWING FOR OTHERS TO REAP 



after all, to her there will l)e no place like home, and the crown 
of motherhood will be more precious than the diadem of a 
queen. 




I 

t 



Mus. Ida Joyce Jackson, 



Woman as a Factor in the Solution of the Negro Problem. 

BY MKS HAKKIKT K. PRICE. 

The spirit of the beginning of the twentieth century is one 
of unrest- Through the cohunns of the Associated I^ress, we 
K'urn of riots, revoUitions, wars and rumors of wars. But we 
helii've that thi- vital (juestion of the twentieth century is the 
so-called Xegi'o Problem. The daily papers, the cui'rent 
magazines and periodicals contain articles setting forth the 
crime, the degredation, the inferiority and the ignorance of the 
black man. Once in a while some brave man arises and 
questions the truth of these articles, but tlie majority of them 
are unanswered, and the thoughts in them are taken into the 
ininds of the readers where they spring up and grow into full 
grown plants of hatred and prejudice. 

I\I embers of Christian churches send for men like Hen 
Tillman, and Thomas Dixon, Jr. and applaud them to the echo 
while they breathe out their venomous frothings about a stiug- 
gling ])ut down-trodden people. The sole purpose of these men 
is to keep alive a bitter feeling against the black man. Why 
those who call themselves Christians, and ministers, who claim 
to ))e proclaiming the word of a just and merciful (xod, tiock to 
hear such men as these is something that we fail to understand. 

'^The picture which you have draw^i is so dark," you say; 
and so it is. What shall we do ? Shall we give up the struggle 
and let our enemies submerge us in the foul stream of abuse 
which they continually pour forth? No, a thousand time no. 
Rather let us strive the harder to become pure, noble, refined, 
cultured men and w^omen and thus confound our enemies and 
encourage our friends. 

And so this great problem confronts us, In the face of 
oppositions and discouragements which w^ould long since have 
led any other race on the face of the globe to surrender its 

(•27 ) 



2« S(>WIN(J FOR oriJKHS TO HHAI' 

cause; in spite of ignorance within and (iuplicity and ahusc 
Avitliout, we nuist siill strug<>:le upward toward the light. 

Tlie phase of the (piestions wliich demand our attention at 
this time is the responsihlity resting upon the women of the 

race in the solution of the prol)lem. 

Ever since Mother Eve ate of the appk' in tlie (iarden of 

Eden, and liy so doing changed the plans of the Creator, 

woman has been a pioniinent f Jictor in shaping the destinies of 

tlie nations of the \\ oi'ld. Think of the Hebrew women of olden 

times ; of Deborali, who judged Israel ; of Huldah, who pio- 

phesied ; of faithful Ruth, w liom neithei- poverty nor hardships 

could discourage : of brave Estlier who saved her people at the 

risk of her own life. Later in the history of the nations comes 

the beautiful Helen of Troy, who was thi' cause of a long and 

bloody war between the Trojans and tlie Greeks. Think of 

Cleopatra, who by her fascinating manners kept Anthony at 

her side and made him forget his duty to his own nation. 

Think of that brave little maid, -loan of Arc, who led the army 

of France to victory ; of cruel and blood-thirsty, Catharine de 

Medici, at whose instigation thousands of innocent men, women 

and childien were murdered in one night ; of Queen Elizal)eth 

and her noted reign : of the sad and romantic histories of Mary 

(,^uecn of Scots, Marie Antohiette and the Empress .losephine ; 

of (.^ueen \ ictoria, Avith her long record of just and wise 

ruling ; and the Dowager Empress of China, who, because of 

her bitter opposition to progress is believed to have incited many 

of the teri-ible and bloody scenes which mark the close of the 

nineteenth century. 

These women, whose lives stand out so prominently, are 

simply examples sliowing the intluence for good or bad, weal 

or woe, that women have upon the destinies of nations. No 

race can rise higher than its women. So, we repeat, the solution 

of this problem of the twentieth century rests largely upon the 

women of the race. 

Inunediately, the question arises, ''will the Negro women 
arise to their responsibility V" In view of what has already been 



SOWING FOR OTllKKS TO KKAP 29 

iaecoinplisluHl ]>v the women of our jace thi-ou";h years of 
oppression and discouragements, we feel tliat we can answer 
without fear ''yes we are sure that they will arise nobly to the 
responsihility resting upon them, and that they will wrestle 
bravely with the problem confronting them." 

Feeiinii' that our eves are so blinded by tears because of 
reading the words of discouragement in tlie Tress, our ears 
deafened by the clamor or the nndtitudes which cry "Away 
with them," and our senses dulled by daily contact with the 
subtle contempt shown us everywhere we turn, that we have 
forgotten the work already accomplished by the noble women of 
the race, let us take a hasty review of the history of the race 
since f]'eedom. 

And how think you that freedom was obtained? We firmly 
believe that it came in answer to the prayers of thousands of 
poor creatures who were whoU}^ at the mercy of cruel masters. 
For more than two hundred years whispered prayers for freedom 
went up to the Almighty God ; whispered because well did 
those, who were praying, know that if uttered aloud the cruel 
lash would descend upon their quivering flesh. But still they 
prayed, nor did they pray in ^'ain, for after a terrible civil war 
they were made free. 

Poor, helpless, naked, homeless, dazed ])y sudden free- 
dom, four million human beings were thrown out to sink or 
swim, live or die, as the case might be. How we wish that the 
story of those poor unknown women could be written ; those that 
toiled early and late in the fields, in the home, that they might 
some day own a little plot of ground and a cottage ; that their 
children might go to school and thus become helpful men and 
and women. 

If we could obtain statistics we are sure that we should 
find that the majority of the men and women of the race who 
have a thorough education, a good trade, or a paying business, 
owe these attainments to the influence of a good mother. 
Dr. Booker T. Washington gives all honor to his mother, who, 



30 SOWING FOR orilKKS TO RKAP 

altliough she could neither read nor write encouraged liini in liis 
eiforts to obtain an education . Throuoh the years of discouraoe- 
nients and hardships, assailed by those who had no ideals and 
who would not have striven to carry them out if tliey had, what 
would the man have done had it not been for the carefid 
management and tact of his wife, Margaret Murray Washington ? 

During the years of freedom many women have entered the 
realm of business and have proven themselves capable and 
efticient ])usiness women. JNIrs. Eva Lewis formerly of Spring- 
field, Illinois, and the late Mrs. Mary Williams, of Columbus, 
Ohio, are examples of successful business women. 

Hundreds of women follow the profession of teaching, and 
both by precept and example, demonstrate the possibility of 
living pure and nol)le lives ; of obtaining cultured minds and 
healthy bodies. Some go to cities, towns and even to remote 
hamlets in the capacity of lecturers. From old Sojourner Truth, 
who went about fearlessly proclaiming the gospel of freedom, to 
such women as Mrs. LncyThurman, Mrs. Mary Church Terrell, 
Mrs. Rosetta Lawson, and INIrs. Rosa Johnson of our own day. 
many have sacrificed the comforts of home, to go and teach the 
truths of morality, temperance, frugalit}^, to those who need 
such instruction. 

These names we need not blush to speak of at an}^ time or 
in any place as all these women have lived lives that were pure, 
noble and helpful. Any race might be proud to number such 
women among them. 

Although the race is still having a hand-to-hand fight with 
povert}^ some brave women have developed their talents in the 
fine arts, such as music, painting, embroidery and sculpture. 
Many have entered the professions, and as doctors, lawyers, 
dentists and trained nurses, are winning success and fame. 
Dressmakers, milliners, clerks, stenographers, all these can we 
can show with pride. 

We are longing for the time when some of our women shall 
become as famous cooks as Mrs. Rorer ; when some of them 



SOWINC; FOR OTHERS TO REAP 31 

sIimII he able to demand and receive wages as high as the chefs 
of the very wealthy families in cities like New York and 
] Philadelphia. This can be done, even though the time may 
seem far distant. But after all it is as' a home-maker that the 
greatest good will be accomplished. More homes, purer homes, 
aie the crying needs of the hour; and these will only be 
obtained by having pure, noble women to be queens of them. 
Solomon tells us in the book of Proverbs what kind of women 
we need. He says, that ''the price of a virtuous w^oman is 
far above rubies. The heart of her husband doth safely trust 
in hei- ; she openeth her mouth with wisdom, and in her tongue 
is the law of kindness, her children rise up and call her bless- 
ed." What a beautiful picture of womanhood this is. 

In tlie l)eginning we said that this great responsibility 
lests u])on the women of the Negro race, but we must limit 
that statement. It rests upon the pure, the moral, the intelli- 
gent christian women of the race. We know only too well that 
there is a class of women at w^hom men point the finger of 
scorn and sa}^, ''aha I aha." Shall we dare trust them to solve 
this great problem? A\"e think not. There is the loud talking, 
loud laughing, loud dressing class, who are ever present in the 
cars, in the street, in all public places, drawing attention to 
themselves by their manner. Then, there is the poor, weak, 
insipid class, who seem too listless to even be good or do good. 

There is another class of women who seek to ape the Van- 
derbilts and the Goulds : who wear the finest clothes, eat the 
richest food, and furnish their homes elegantly, yet wdio lack 
monev to afford this style of living. 

Mark you I We do not mean to say that we should not 
strive to have the comforts of life. Far from it. 

We wish the race to be ambitious, to have beautiful homes 
comfortable clothes and substantial food, but we also wish to 
caution them about living beyond their means. 

These four classes of w^omen, the untrue, the loud, the 
weak, the extravagant, are hindering, instead of helping to 



;32 80AVING FOK orilKKS JO KKAl' 

soivt' tlic riieo probloju. Hut we aiv bappy to say that there is 
a fiftli class ; those whose lives are pure, and useful; who seize 
every o])]K)rtunity for lioorl. who feel tlie <i?-eat responsibility 
I'csting' upon tliem. 

Are there those whose lives are impiu*e ? These women 
seek to make theirs purer. Are there those uncouth in manner, 
untidy in dress, loud mouthed and coarse? These try the hard- 
er to be gentle, neat, refined. Are some too weak or too selfish 
or too oiddv to be useful? These trv to follow Christ's com- 
mand when he said : '■•The strong should bear tlie infirmities 
of the weak." 

And so, these noble women work on, and, thank (iod, they 
are increasing: in number every dav. AVhether in trade, r)io- 
fession or home, wherever you find these noblewomen, they are 
continuallv savina; to themselves, "'w^e must do our work bet- 
ter than any other women in the world, as the eyes of the na- 
tions are on us to criticise and pick flaw.s." 

Some writer has said that if on one side of the door (iod 
has w^'itten the word Opportunity, on tlie other side he has 
written Responsibility. 

It seems to us, that now, if ever, is the opportunity of 
Negro women, and surely, in letters of fire, they see ever be- 
fore their eyes the word. Responsibility. 

() w^omen of the race arise and shine, go forth with weep- 
ing, bearing precious seed, and God himself has said that you 
shall come again bringing your sheaves with you. 

O Negro w^omen of the twentieth century, arise ! Great is 
your opportunity, great is your responsibility. AVe believe 
in you. We know you will not fail. 

God is your helper, and in spite of Tillman, Dixon and 
the scores of women writers, wdio revile and al)use you, we be- 
lieve that you will conquer. 

For right is right, as God is God, 
And right the day must win ; 
To doubt would be disloyalty, 
To falter would be sin. 






The Greatest Needs of the American Negro Woman. 

BY MRS. SARAH G. JONES. 

Various opinions have been expressed within the past few 
years in an attempt to solve the vexed problem as to the 
o-reatest need of the Negro woman today. 

Skilled labor, says one, or a thoroughness along all lines 
of industry ; another is wont to assert that a practical educa- 
tion, which necessarily equips a ready mind and hand equal to 
all emergencies ; another, the development of christian char- 
acter ; while again, social culture rises to the greatest heio-ht in 
the mind of many, and others contend for a higher education. 
And all are rare gems well worth the gathering, and lend their 
aid in what, to my mind, is her greatest need, viz., the art of 
Home Making;" for the home is, or ought to be, the main- 
spring of all true education, and the Art of Home Makino- 
should precede, in importance, all else. 

The influences of the home life reach out in all directions, 
and upon woman more than man, does the grave responsibility 
of Home Making rests. 

Home, the place where one expects to find love, peace, 
sympathy, happiness, — rest. Man is an agent in the founding 
of the home, but the wife and mother becomes the solar system 
of her little universe. She is mainly responsible for the 
atmosphere which pervades the home, and it behoves her to 
aim assiduously to so equip herself for the emergencies incum- 
bent upon the honored position of wife and mother. 

Men are censured for their profligacy, and the rate seems 
to fearfully increase, but the blame should not rest alone on 

(33) 



34 SOAVINC; FOR OTHERS TO REAP 

manhood ; it goes further back, to his home training at his 
mother's side, and, later on, in the intluence over him, which 
his partner in the home creates. 

A man should, before marrias-e, have some knowledo-e or 
conception of how to treat a woman, and vice versa ; and the 
woman should see to it that she understands how to secure the 
best treatment, by rendering herself well worthy, that her 
every action, while, perhaps, not above criticism, should be 
above reproach, therefore she may demand the best that man 
has to bestow. It has been said that men are Avhat their 
mothers make them, and, in a great measure, this is true, how- 
ever, there are dependent clauses here and there, which make 
significant side issues. 

The problem is doubly difficult, since the key to all homes 
i« not cast in the same mould ; conditions are as varied as the 
faces we dail}^ meet, and the dispositions with which we come 
in contact. Yet, there are general principles upon which all 
may safely depend, and, though it may be necessary to take ofl" 
^" edge here and do some rounding there, as the diamond is 
made beautiful in form for its setting, it is possible to make 
general conditions adjust themselves to the founding of an 
ideal home. 

A noted writer has said, that " money and brains can 
move the world," and so they can for weal or woe, since brains 
plan, and money puts the plan in operation. 

The art of home making should enlist the earnest and 
serious attention of every Negro woman, since she presides in 
this school of training, she must decide on questions con- 
tin ualh' presented to her in the position she occupies as 
supreme judge — she must find herself capable of moving in the 
right direction at proper speed, only as she realizes that cer- 
tain elements pervade her being which combine to constitute 
the true woman, and originate the impetus to action ; that all 



SOWING FOR OTHERS TO REAP 35 

ahidiiig- interest in others, and that sympathy which loses self 
in its desire for the general or special good. 

With the civilization of the present, false notions of duty 
have crept into the curriculum of every day life, and the home 
suffers in proportion. The culture of to-day repines at busy 
hours in the home, frets over the duties imposed by mother- 
hood and too often considers conditions more favorable where 
there is no care to be distributed through or over a family of 
children. There may be some excuse for this. It seems un- 
just to censure the woman who assumes the care of five or six 
little ones, all the day long, week in and week out, and makes 
an heroic effort to make an appearance and keep body and soul 
together on the mere pittance which the husband and father 
does his best to secure ; this is no light task — but if there were 
less fretting, conditions would not be so difficult of adjustment. 

It is a fact that under similar circumstances human nature 
is the same everywhere, and that physical endurance rises and 
falls, like the mercury in a barometer, — but in a united effort, 
the mutual love and sympathy are an inspiration, which moves 
in opposite directions and meets in warm embrace, and results 
are positive. 

The spirit of right, born of heaven, hovers over a house- 
hold, where husband and wife, constituting the king and queen 
on their domestic throne, rule alternately and conjointly. 

Man lives much in the physical world, some in the mental, 
moral and social departments. His appetites vary, and yet, 
with scant fare, his nature is such that he may be led to believe 
himself living in luxury, if he is managed well ; and here many 
women blunder so seriously, because of a false education or 
lack of a true one, that they find themselves at sea, and unable 
to extricate themselves from the turbulent waters, which dash- 
ing furiously over their little barque, threaten to destroy it. 

One key to the art of home making for the masses is found 
in the practical education, which fortifies one to utilize, in the 



36 SOWING FOR OTHERS TO REAP 

home to the best advantage, the material at hand, whether for 
mental, moral, phj^sical or social advancement, so she must 
understand something of the industrial development of these 
arts in the home life, as it pertains to the preparation of meals, 
and the econoni}^ of the kitchen, whether one must perform 
or direct in that department. She must know something of 
sewino- the makino-. mendino- and chanoino- of oarments, and 
preparing them in time to suit the seasons, the cultivation of 
loving, s^-mpathetic helpfulness and christian consistency. Each 
member of the household under the direction of the general man- 
ager, who is supposed to be the wife or mother should be united 
in good works for the oeneral welfare, all being con tributors in 
some or many ways — financially, socially, religiously, intel- 
lectualh^ recreatively. Heart should reach out to heart in a 
mutual effort to give and get happiness. Money secures com- 
forts and luxuries, but it cannot buy brains or a change of 
heart, and all are necessar}^ to the building up of an ideal 
home. 

The children of the household are often the origin of 
problems which prove the hardest to solve in the art of home 
making. To a true man, a loving, sympathetic helpful wife is 
an inspiration — and the}^ two, perhaps, could steer their little 
boat safely over all the waves of trouble she may encounter on 
life's tempestuous sea, and land safe in harbor in their old age, 
l)ut nature adopts hei* own measures to meet her demands, and 
children, in the home, present new problems which must be 
reasoned out. 

The father should not l)e altogether free from personal 
care of the offspring, tho' his part in securing the means of 
maintenance necessarily limits his time within the home, there- 
fore upon the mother rests the greater part of the care and 
training of the children, and home keepei-s find, as the j^ears go 
by, that these duties are not lessened, they simph^ change, and 
new plans to meet new emergencies are constantly in demand. 



SOWING P^OR OTHERS TO REAP 37 

and if she be a wise executive officer, she will recognize, always, 
that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and will 
feel that it devolves upon her to forestall events, and plan for 
the future, that she may educate her children against evils 
which may occur, or, better fit them for those circumstances 
which are inevitable. A true mother so adjusts herself to con- 
ditions that she aims to so equip the jewels heaven has en- 
trusted to her keeping, that they may on a moment's reflection 
recognize the path which leads from trouble, or be so fortified 
when surrounded by sin, that the artillery of satan may find 
them invulnerable. 

It matters not how well children are sheltered, fed and 
clothed, there are important features in the building of charac- 
ter, which in the home life it is criminal to neglect viz., culture 
religiously, morally, esthetically, intellectually and domestic, 
and the mother who fails to inject, or, draw out the best along 
these lines, nnist acknowledge that she has failed to discharge 
her whole duty, and has treated her children no better than 
the dumb brute which is an inmate of her home ; for does she 
not provide him with food, shelter, kind words and medicines ? 
She is guilty of ignoring the essentials which combine in build- 
ing up a happy and useful future for those whom she professes 
to love better than all else. Method is another important key 
which unlocks the door of prosperity and lays a foundation 
which is built upon later in life, without it there may be collec- 
ted a mass of material, which is never adjusted into place, con- 
sequently fails to do the good for which it was designed, l^ad 
habits must be checked in their incipiency, or else like neglec- 
ted weeds they will fix themselves so firmly, that they will choke 
the progress of the commendable characteristics, which may be 
struggling for the mastery ; the repetition of a bad habit 
strengthens it every time and weakens the power of resistance. 

A sapling properly trained, and cared for with unremitting 
vigilence, rewards the laborer in its straight and upward growth, 



SS SOWIXG FOR OIHERS TO RP:AP 

so in the home, no parent can afford to close his or her e3'es to 
anything- which threatens to destroy the principles they are en- 
deavoring to inculcate. 

Onr Negro women are the equals in morals of the best 
women in the world, I care not to what race they belong. 
With two and a half centuries of slaver}^ with its compulsory 
immoralit}^, the women of the race have done well — and I 
would have them in the home training of their children, never 
cease nor tire in their efforts to instil principles of i-irtue. Let 
the young girl approach womanhood with an alnding faith in 
chastity as her crowning- glory, and the boy, as he throws about 
him the mantle of noble manhood, carry uppermost within his; 
l^osom the sacred principle of protection of that gem which God 
has pronounced to be more valuable than rubies. 

While our women in the past have acquitted themselves: 
creditably, a new era dawns and more is demanded and ex- 
pected of us. 

The educational world invites the 'Negro woman to feast 
on the literature of the best minds, so that she may read, pon- 
der upon and adopt the matured thought of master minds. 
The Negro mothers and the school-teachers of to-day should 
unite their efforts in the grand work of the building of charac- 
ter of our boys and girls ; there should be meetings held fre- 
quently, and there should be a perfect understanding as to 
this great effort at moral elevation ; and with the mother at 
home and the teacher at school, between whom the child spends; 
the first fourteen yeavs of its life, there ought to be a method- 
ical culture of head, heart and hand. 

There are commonplace necessities in the cumculum of 
all domestic life and these must be figm-ed out on the calendar 
of every home between lines ruled with loving cai-e. 

These jewels of nature which have been entrusted to the 
keeping of so many parents, must, like the precious stones, he 
trimmed, shaped, polished and set, before they receive the ad- 



SOWING FOE OTHEKS TO KKAP n\) 

aniration due them, and the wife, mother and sweetheart all in 
«one, if she be a wise woman will seek to adjust all the con- 
<litions, along all lines, favorably. INIeals will be read}^ on 
time, cleanliness will ^^ervade the apartments, reoularity and 
Older will be the rule, neatness of person and things will pre- 
vail, and a loving courtesy mark the actions of each member 
«of the family. 

To this ideal home a man turns his face with joy, and 
there is avision of repose and comfort which no other conditions 
afford. Holland says that the great aggregate of life is a net- 
W'Ork of duties, and in order to secure the comfort of the whole, 
there is a certain amount of work to be done, which is varied 
in its kind — the architect plans, the hod-carrier liears the mor- 
tar and the brick-layer lays the brick, in the construction of a 
bidlding ; that to get out a newspaper, there must be an editor, 
a compositor and a pressman, so, to build the home it requires 
numerous elements and materials combined. 

The man who knows that his wife has implicit faith in him 
aeceives from that knowledge an inspiration to dare to do, and 
labor to him becomes a pleasant dut}^ The greatest heroines 
of any age, have been those who built the homes which are the 
sweetest tyi^es of heaven, where woman wields her holiest in- 
fluence, and by her magnetism often gains for man in the outer 
world, that which he could never win without such assistance. 

Some of the best home makers are not women who are 
well versed in politics, or, great readers of the newest litera- 
ture, or who are endowed with the most brilliant social qualities ; 
l)ut there is an influence radiating from her sympath}^, genero- 
sity, appreciation of the good, her polished manners and quiet 
speech, which unconsciously and philosophically seeks equili- 
Jnium when in contact with this pivot of inspiration. 

Women of the race, let us live up to the best that is in us ; 
let us study the Bible, that we may understand better how to 
practice its teachings ; let us read good books, that we may 



4U SOWING FOR OTHERS TO RP:AP 

cultivate the best thoughts, that we may desire the purest as- 
sociation, that we may be better fortified to overcome evil, that 
we may by example as well as precept train our children to 
live correct and useful lives, and that the men of the race may 
receive an inspiration to nobler living : for all these elements 
prove positive factors in the building of ideal homes and through 
these the elevation of the race. 



OVERCOMERS' SONG. 



Tune " Hold the Fort." 

We're a band of Overcomers 
Climbing to the height; 

All the evils in our pathway, 
We intend to fight. 

CHORUS 

Unity naust mark our efforts; 
This is always might. 

We'll o'ercome all foes to progress. 
Asking God for light. 

We will not proclaim our sorrows 
But our blessings count; 

Prove our faith by deeds exalted, 
Hills of trial mount. 

All should have a noble purpose 
Know it without doubt. 

And to others prove its soundness, 
Carrying it out. 

We must learn to trust each other 
Standing on firm ground. 

Pride of race will be enkindled, 
Love will then abound. 

God's word is a safe guard given 
Freely to us all; 

Armed with this as Overcomers, 
Foes to right must fall. 

Minnie Moore Waters, 



Overcomers. 

BY MRS. M. M. WATERS. 

" Not failure but low aim is crime." 

If this be true, our first duty, as Afro-Americans or 
Negroes, is to overcome every obstacle which tends to prevent 
us from taking the high aim in life. 

In referring to these obstacles, or weaknesses, let us re- 
mind ourselves that they are the natural outcome of our race 
training, through years of bondage and subsequent conditions ; 
that other race varieties, under similar conditions, would have 
developed the same general characteristics ; for they are na- 
tural. This naturalness, however, does not preclude the over- 
coming of these weaknesses. " He who would be free, him- 
self, must strike the blow." 

As a race, will we succumb to weaknesses, or in the 
strength God freely supplies, strike the blow which will com- 
pletely emancipate us? If Overcomers, what must we over- 
come ? 

1st — A belief in the inferiority of our race to the white 
races, based largely upon our difference in color and hair ; 
and that our color is the result of a curse. This is all false 
teachino- and a false idea. 

The African color and hair were the results rather of the 
hot and dry regions of tropical Africa, proving a blessing, as 
it enabled him to endure the intense heat of Africa's sun. In 
time he was brought to America where the white brother dom- 
inated. By him, he was enslaved for over two hundred years. 
Naturally, as succeeding generations were born in this state, 
they believed that their ill condition was due to their color, 
their race alone, in slavery. 

(41) 



42 SOLVING FOR OTHERS TO REAP 

Since the emancipation of the Negro, many evils confront 
him. In various places of public entertainment, he is told 
that these are for white patrons. Is it to be wondered at by 
the whites, if some of our weak members, unwilling to suffer 
affliction, with the oppressed, and possessing fair skin, left the 
ranks, and mingled with the crowd of the whites? It requires 
great faith and strength to choose affliction. All have not the 
fortitude of Moses. 

These things engender in the minds of our young people, 
a belief in the inferiority of our race, and that the white skin 
must be a blessing, and the opposite — black, a curse. 

Women of Ohio, we must overcome this obstacle ; van- 
quish this idea. If this evil be allowed to grow, our young 
people will not take a high aim in life, as they will soon believe 
that a low aim is the only one attainable. We must organize 
our forces ; talk hopefully to our children, our youths. Teach 
them in private and in public that God has made of one blood 
all nations ; that He is no respector of persons, that He has made 
every human being for a purpose in life ; that it is a sin to es- 
timate a person's worth by his color, the part for which he is 
not responsible. 

Teach them that character, true worth marks the individ- 
ual, and that God holds each one responsible for this. "Even 
a child is known by his doing, whether his work be pure and 
whether it be right." 

Teach them to soar above the weakness of estimating 
man's worth by his color : but to mark every one by the char- 
acter he possesses. 

2nd — Overcome distrust among ourselves and lack of race 
pride, l)y continually recalling the lives and good deeds of 
our men and women, by reminding our young people of the 
rapid growth of our race since emancipation ; In^ showing that 
by comparison, the Negro race will not suffer, since no other 
race can boast of such rapid advancement. We have a right 
to be proud of nuv achievements and very thankful to Our 



SOWING FOR OTHERS TO REAP 43 

Father. We have millions of dollars iu property ; as churches, 
school houses, private dwellings and bank accounts. Our suc- 
cess at Harvard and Yale proves that we can master the 
sciences. 

Hold up your heads, ye Negroes, among the people of the 
land, and aim to complete the work of progression already 
lieoun. 

3rd — Overcome a discouragement that comes as a result of 
certain evil practices against us. Because of this, many resort 
to rash language and reckless action, seemingly believing that 
our cause is lost and our race is evil. Not so, necessarily. 
Let us remember that the pure gold is the fire tested gold. 
Can we stand the fire of persecution ? If, in the testing, we 
are true to our God, we shall come out purer and better. 

There seems to be an effort on the part of some to make 
us l)elieve that America is the white man's country only. If 
such an erroneous belief grows up in our young people, harm 
will follow. Therefore, we must, 4th, overcome a belief that 
we have no rioht to claim America as ours. We are Ameri- 
cans, Afro- Americans, Americans by our nativity. This na- 
tivity can be traced several generations back. How many 
representatives of other race varieties, can do as much. 

According to the opinion of Attorney-General Bates (de- 
ceased) Americans by nativity are citizens. As such, we claim 
every right to which our citizenship entitles us. 




Woman, the True Politician. 

BY MRS. ELIZABETH ALi:XANDER. 

" The hand that rocks the cradle is the hand that rules the world!" 

Woman's vocation is ruling; or presiding over. Whence 
came the appointment or election? From the people? Does 
woman condescend to the choice of mortals to become presi- 
dent or governor ? Must one woman go out of office in order 
that another may enter? On the contrary, when another is 
appointed the incumbent is promoted. The laws that she must 
enforce are made by Divinity and are unalterable. The all- 
wise Father is not subject to amendment. Woman's government 
is of the heart ; bossism is unknown in her politics. Truly, 
woman governs this world. Now, consider the conditions of 
this world under her. Is she observing the law of the divine 
lawgiver? Does she even know it? Can she enforce it with- 
out a knowledo-e of it? Have we other Gods before Him? Ask 
Him to search the heart. He only can tell which God is en- 
throned there. 

The second commandment is hard to understand. The 
institution of marriage makes the third commandment very 
plain. When a woman takes a man's name she uses it for her 
own name ; just so God wishes all to take His Name not in 
vain but truly. Be allied to Him in Spirit and purpose. It is 
for woman to fit her offspring, of both sexes, for this sacred 
and blessed Institution — marriaae. AVoman's marriaae toman 
is a representation of man's alliance to his maker. What is 
necessary? Nothing short of Godly Wisdom. The question — 
what is his financial standing, is beneath the true mother. It 
is heathenism ; j^et the christian mother too frequently considers 
this question. Shame, O Christian mothers I that is the 
prime lesson in adultery. The harlot takes the name of a man 
for what he can furnish her in living necessities and luxuries. 

(44( 



SOWING FOR OTHERS TO RP:AP 45 

Is it godliness ? Nay, is it civilization to teach marriage thus ? 
Yet, I know scores of women who unbhishingly encourage such 
marriages. The divorce evil is a sad reproach to woman, it 
shows plainW that she has been derelict in her duty. The 
prediction of Christ that the time would come when it would be 
said, " Blessed are the barren," is fulfilled. If woman took the 
name of her husband that she might replenish the world she 
would not give it up because of disappointment in the ability 
of man to supply her desires. G-od has promised to supply all 
our needs ; his promises are true. Jesus told the women to 
weep for this matter ; can woman regard it as a light thing ? 
Articles of value are usually counterfeited. Beware of the 
counterfeit marriage. 

Mother Eve set the example of disobedience. Does her 
seed honor her if they follow in it? No more can we honor 
our father and mother by following them in error. Christ 
honored Adam and Eve by retrieving their lost estate. Child- 
ren honor their parents if they profit by their mistakes. Obey 
God before man, though the man be your earthly father. 

The 8th commandment "thou shalt not steal," is often 
broken in consequence of the importance attached to the prac- 
tice of money-getting. Better a tale be left untold than to risk 
getting it wrongly constructed — "wherefore putting away 
lying, speak every man truth with his neighbor : for we are 
members one with another. 

If our women would seek wisdom by obedience to God, 
His promises would be fulfilled and this great problem, and all 
other problems would be solved. 

Furthermore, I am convinced that it is necessary for women 
to recognize the rulership of men ; they have not gained any- 
thing by the course they are pursuing, and as their peace is 
seriously hampered, I think they should adopt the means re- 
commended by Him — " resist the alluring bait held out 1\v the 
world. Feed the flock that God has so kindly given you, not 
by constraint but willingly." 



The Teacher's Aim, or the Nature of Education. 

Bi MiSS EMMA ADELIA TOLBERT. 



"There is one mind common to all individual men. Every man is an inlet to the 
same and to all of the same. He that is once admitted to the right of reason is made a free- 
man to the whole estate. What Plato has thought, he may think; what a saint has felt, he 
may feel: what at any time has befallen any man, he can understand. Who hath access to 
this universal mind is a party to all that is or can be done, for this is the only soverign 

agent. 

Of the universal mind each individual man is one or m ore incarnation. All its properties 
consist in him. Every step in his private experience flashes a light on what great bodies of 
men have done, and the crises of his life refer to national crises. Every revolution was first 
a thought in one man 's mind, and when this same thought appears to another man it is a key 

'-'^^'-^^■' -EMERSON. 

In the above extract P^merson has sought to verif}^ and 
enlarge upon the thought expressed in the first sentence — "There 
is one mind common to all individual men." Accepting the 
author's view of the universality of the human mind, we find 
that we have one mind with Plato, Aristotle, Shakespeare, 
Milton, Newton, and realizing this identity we cannot help at 
the same time appreciating the almost infinite capabilities of 
our own minds. Coming to such a point of recognition it is 
not unnatural that we interest ourselves somewhat closely in 
the means by which all barriers are burned away, and all Imiita- 
tions removed that the ideal may become to us, the real, and 
this means is Education. 

Genesis i, reads ; And the earth was .without form and 

void, and darkness was upon the face of the deep. And the 

spirit of God moved upon the face of the waters and God 

said, " Let there be light, and there was light." And God 

saw the light that it was good, and God divided the light 

from the darkness, and God called the light day and the 

darkness night." 

(40) 



• * 



SOWING PX)R OTHERS TO REAP 47 

Enough, I think has been quoted to set the contrasting 
conditions clearly before our minds. It is next to impossible 
for us to imagine a world of chaos as described in Genesis 1 ;2 
but let us endeavor for a moment to imagine it. We agree that 
existing conditions may better be appreciated if we are able by 
some uicans to come in touch with contrasting ones. 

The sa me void, darkness, and chaos which enveloped the 
world before the utterance of the divine command, would have 
characterized the human mind had it not been endowed with 
the power to classify, to separate, to combine, to reflect, to see 
law and thus bring order out of chaos And this we call the 
Power of Thought. 

As a thinking being, man does not live in a world of un- 
related objects ; nor in a world Mdiere remarkable happenings 
remain long unaccounted for ; but rather in a universe of Cause 
and Effect. That which yesterday was to him a hidden mystery 
has through his power of thought, today become clear and 
comprehensible. 

After havino- reached the truth of a certain thing man 
stands in a new relation to this thing, he sees it, he reveres it 
as never before. To be sure this knowledge of the truth may 
mean for him the tearing asunder of many a pet theory, and 
the process of rebuilding now begins. He has found truth and 
he must consider his old experiences in the light of this newly 
found truth. 

The process of correct thought must be carefully and 
religiously trained and this training must be begun in the 
child. Those of us as teachers who have the training of 
children in hand are held (and I think very justly so) largely 
responsible for the thinking powers of our charges. If the child 
in your care is ever to stand before his fellows as one of reliable 
judgement, if ever to be anything other than a mere puppet he 
must be able to think clearly and logically. How may we 
assist him ? First, by basing all data which we present to him 
upon what he already knows. For even now he begins to feel 



48 SOWING FOR OTHERS TO RP:AP 

that the subject is not far removed from his evey day experiences. 
He begins at once to search first here, now there for deeper 
relations which may exist between the subject and himself. 

He will not be contented with learning from the Geography 
text-book why this earth of ours revolves about the sun in an 
almost circular path called its orbit. This fact of itself will 
not suffice but when he reasons that the seasons are thus effected, 
and consequently the character of his sports, the texture of his 
clothing, and the kind of food that he eats, are determined, 
then the subject is to him a real and living one. 



WOMAN'S PLACE. 



You talk about a woman's place, 

And ask for her location, 

As if her teachings all embrace 

But part of the creation. 

As educator — read her scroll — 

'' From sea to sea, from pole to pole" , 

She teacheth love ; she teacheth strife ; 

She knows the bitter side of life — 

She teacheth patience, joys refrain — 

And lulls to rest the heart of pain. 

No difference what a woman teaches, 

Her influence, her power reaches * 

Above, below — the seamen love her, 

She saves their boat — or tips it over. 

There is no place — so sings my linnet. 

Without a woman in it, in it. 

Mks. Susie I. Shorter. 



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